Aiming for Accuracy Quilt-Along Winner

You might remembered I posted several months ago about the Aiming for Accuracy Quilt-along that I was participating in. I actually have two quilts started, one in Christmas fabrics and one using Cherrywoods. As is usual for me, both of those are still in the UFO pile; however, Julie's quilt was finished and entered to win one of the Grand Prizes--my quilting.  Michele Foster, the designer responsible for the AAC QAL, put out a call for prize donations. I donated my quilting (what else?): free allover pattern or half-off custom.  Julie chose custom--I was so excited!!  Here's her finished quilt: (Be prepared...lots of pics in this one!)

I quilted all the blocks differently, using some geometric and some curves to soften some of the blocks.  Now, I know what you're thinking, "that's a lot of quilting on blocks where it isn't always apparent." Bear with me...my reasoning will soon become clear.

This next block was my all-time fave in the whole quilt. Very simple, but super effective. I LOVE how it turned out; and there are five of them.

This one I just did some simple CC treatment with hooks...

You can't see the loops in the HSTs, but you can see the echoed CCs in the blocks.

I played in this block with some straight line quilting and feathers--sort of a yin and yang thing.

And here's the reason I spent so much time on the blocks...a solid black backing. I love it when my customers send solid black backs. Everything shows up and my Millie has such great tension; it just turns out so fun!!

And here are some more shots of the back...what do you think?? 

Thanks for stopping by!

Dory

Total Americana

Paula loves Americana quilts and decorating with really cool Americana touches in her house. Wish I could show you that, but you'll have to settle for two of her Americana quilts instead.

The first one was a panel with some scenes from George Washington's time--at least I think it was supposed to be George.

The panel was really simple, but with that gold in it I had to add some gold quilting; therefore, you get gold feathers. I also used my swag template for the borders--tried to make them look old fashioned.

And a picture of the back! I love plain backs; the quilting really shows up.

This one is more traditional with some pieced blocks as well as patriotic panels. 

A close-up of one of the traditionally-pieced blocks...

And this is the smaller "panel" that I quilted a traditional feather pattern on. I was initially going to try to do something more intricate, but after pondering and talking with Paula, we decided a feather was the way to go. What do you think?

And finally, a couple of shots of the back. First the entire back.

And a close-up of a small section.

Thanks for stopping by! And although I don't say it often, I really do appreciate and try to respond to all your comments.

Happy sewing!

Dory

Washington is Quilter's Heaven

Or it sure seems that way. There are lots of guilds, many quilt shows and classes to attend, not to mention all the retreats! My quilty side loves it here!!

I've joined two guilds here, Sun Bonnet Sues in Sequim and Cabin Fever Quilters in Port Townsend (about 40 minutes away). The SBS guild is HUGE--over 250 members; the CFQs are growing, we're up to 100 members now and may have to start looking for a larger meeting room!

A few months ago, CFQ asked if I would quilt their Opportunity Quilt. I was honored as I hadn't expected that at all.  In a group of that many women, its easy to get lost. This is the beautiful quilt that the members put together:

It is so much prettier in person! I have really got to do something about my photography situation.

A close up of the center. I opted not to quilt in the applique on this one and just pebble around the design. It made the applique really pop. I also kept all the quilting very simple and basic, in an attempt to highlight the quilt, itself. (Remember, if you click on the picture, you get to see it "close-up")

I tried a couple of new things with this quilt. The curved crosshatch in the center of the star was a first for me. I have all the rulers, but haven't had a place where I thought it would work. I like it here, what do you think??

A close-up of the center. The colors chosen in making this quilt work so well together. I just love it! The colors in this picture are more true to the actual colors of the quilt. Its a beautiful combination and the bit of white just makes everything pop.

And, finally, a pic of the border treatment. I debated about this border for so long and finally came up with a (sort of) mirrored image effect.

No pics of the back on this one as it was too busy for the quilting to show. I was hoping for a solid black backing--it would have been a fun one to see on the reverse. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Dory